Tag: American League

PointsBet Sportsbook’s ridiculous scenario for Notre Dame-Ohio State

No way this happens.

Let’s begin by getting two facts out of the way. First, Shohei Ohtani is the greatest thing baseball has to offer right now and maybe ever. Second, Peacock has MLB broadcast rights but only does Sunday games. NBC gets one of those games every year and surely would be one of the regularly scheduled games.

That being the case, the chances of NBC breaking away from any Notre Dame game for baseball, particularly the game against Ohio State, are virtually nonexistent. But that’s not stopping PointsBet Sportsbook from posing a scenario that defies all logic:

I don’t care how exciting a player Ohtani is or what’s on the line for him. No broadcast network in its right mind is going to cut away from college football to cover something for another sport. Is watching it on MLB Network not enough? If people are watching college football, chances are they don’t care about anything else at the moment.

On top of that, Aaron Judge already broke the American League single-season home run record last year. There’s nothing at stake in this scenario except for Ohtani joining the 60-homer club. If this happens for Ohtani, this has to happen for all players on this precipice going forward. Somehow, I doubt that will happen because it’s not Ohtani.

Yes, there are exceptions to the rule of not cutting away from an Irish home game. The most notable example was NBC temporarily transferring the feed of the 2020 classic against Clemson to USA Network so it could broadcast Joe Biden’s victory speech for the presidential election that was called earlier that day. But an Ohtani at-bat is not on the same scale as a speech from the new soon-to-be leader of the free world.

I’m all for a nice debate on Twitter, but this is the wrong one to start. Not only does it not make any sense, but it’s insulting to everyone’s intelligence. NBC will not cut into an Irish-Buckeyes game for a sport that it barely has any rights to. Hopefully, everyone who saw this tweet figured that out quickly.

Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Geoffrey on Twitter: @gfclark89

Trey Mancini heading to Houston Astros in three-team trade

Think he can help the Astros win it all?

The Baltimore Orioles are the only team former Notre Dame player [autotag]Trey Mancini[/autotag] has known. An eighth-round pick in 2013 who made his major-league debut three years later, Mancini has become the face of the franchise while also surviving cancer. Now on the verge of free agency, he’ll have a shot at a World Series ring after he was traded to the Houston Astros in a three-team deal also involving the Tampa Bay Rays. Most of the rest of the trade involved a flurry of prospects.

In 92 games for the Orioles this season, Mancini has posted a slash line of .268/.347/.404 along with 10 home runs and 41 RBIs. He leaves a franchise that always finished at the bottom of the AL East in every full season he played. On the flip side, he joins an Astros team that is one of two favorites to win the AL pennant along with the New York Yankees. He likely doesn’t care that it’s the most hated franchise in baseball right now as long as it wins the last game of the season.

Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Geoffrey on Twitter: @gfclark89

Dylan Cease, the White Sox’ best hope, is also the best Cy Young value play on the board

The All-Star snub is closing in on a much larger accolade.

We’ve discussed the hapless Chicago White Sox, manager Tony La Russa and the woes of the South Siders pretty much all season long over here at FTW.

Not much has changed. The team is still stuck at .500, still in third place in the American League Central and still trying to prove their best days are ahead.

They likely won’t make the playoffs. If they do, they certainly don’t seem set up to go far (though the August 2 trade deadline could change things).

There is one aspect of the Sox season that is worth appreciating, however, and Cy Young bettors will want to pay attention. For as tumultuous a summer as Chicago has endured, Dylan Cease has been able to provide relief every five days.

Cease is currently +9000 to win AL Cy Young at Tipico Sportsbook. He began the year at +1200. And the only thing he’s done since then is prove again and again how dominant he already is at 26 years old. Don’t be fooled by his absurd All-Star Game snub. Take a look at the evidence for yourself.

Dylan Cease Stats (AL rank)

Innings Pitched Wins Above Replacement Strikeouts K/9 ERA Hits Per 9 IP Home Runs Per 9 IP Fielding Independent Pitching
110.2 (10th) 3.6 (2nd) 154 (1st) 12.524 (1st) 2.03 (3rd) 6.75 (4th) 0.651 (4th) 2.67 (4th)

According to Tankathon, the White Sox have the second-easiest schedule remaining. While it may not help the team’s playoff chances too much, it should aide Cease’s Cy Young campaign. As his stuff continues to dominate he should have no trouble facing weaker lineups.

The issue is that the pitchers with shorter odds ahead of him continue to dominate as well. To cash this ticket the likes of favorites Shane McClanahan (+162) and Justin Verlander (+250) will need to stumble.

It’s certainly possible, but it’s also the reason why Cease’s odds remain significantly longer.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).

[listicle id=1943257]

[listicle id=1943068]

American League ‘Cheating’ Series: Can Astros, Red Sox redeem legacies?

Mackenzie Salmon and Charles Curtis preview the American League Championship Series between the Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox. Charles looks at why Boston gets more of a pass when it comes to cheating over Houston.

Mackenzie Salmon and Charles Curtis preview the American League Championship Series between the Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox. Charles looks at why Boston gets more of a pass when it comes to cheating over Houston.

Notre Dame product Trey Mancini to compete in Home Run Derby

The Irish will have representation for the return of the Home Run Derby.

For the first time, Notre Dame will have representation in Major League Baseball’s Home Run Derby. That representation will come from Baltimore Orioles slugger Trey Mancini. The Irish baseball Twitter account sent its congratulations his way:

Mancini has 14 home runs this season and is among the major-league leaders in RBIs with 52. He joins a field that currently has Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angels Angels and defending champion Pete Alonso of the New York Mets. The field will be rounded out with five more participants before the event is held July 12 at Coors Field in Denver. It will serve as a tuneup for the All-Star Game the next day.

Mancini is in the middle of quite the comeback season after he missed 2020 to be treated for Stage 3 colon cancer. However, the Orioles are dead-last in the American League and pretty much have no further use for Mancini’s services. It’s likely he gets moved at or before the trade deadline, and there are a few teams that could benefit from him.

 

Bet on these MLB players to win the 2020 AL Cy Young award

Looking at the betting odds to win the 2020 AL Cy Young award, and making our best MLB picks and bets.

[jwplayer qRv3ZUFn]

The 2020 MLB season is rapidly approaching as teams are currently working through camp ahead of the July 23 start. The American League has plenty of quality starting pitchers across the board, led by SP Gerrit Cole of the New York Yankees. Below, we break down the best bets to win the 2020 AL Cy Young award with targets from all tiers.

Baseball season is finally here! Get some action on the 2020 season with an MLB futures bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!

2020 AL Cy Young best bets: Favorite

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday, July 14 at 10:30 a.m. ET.

New York Yankees SP Gerrit Cole (+265)

It’s easy to see why Cole is the heavy favorite to win the Cy Young award this year. He was arguably the best pitcher in the American League last year despite finishing second in the voting to Houston Astros teammate Justin Verlander. His 2.50 ERA and 326 strikeouts both led the AL last season, going 20-5 for the Astros.

With the Yankees’ offense expected to pace the majors, Cole will get ample run support to drive up his win total, while his ERA should remain low once again. He’s set up better than just about every pitcher in the league.

Playing fantasy baseball? A Draft Day like no other deserves a fantasy baseball Cheat Sheet like no other. Weekly HQBasics from BaseballHQ is $4.95 with coupon code SBW5. Sign up now!

2020 AL Cy Young best bets: Contenders

Houston Astros SP Justin Verlander (+600)

Verlander will try to become the latest pitcher to win back-to-back Cy Young awards after taking home the hardware last season. He led the majors in wins, starts and WHIP. Assuming the Astros can avoid the distractions that are sure to come with their sign-stealing scandal, they should once again be in World Series contention.

Verlander also benefited from the season being pushed back because he would’ve missed some time due to a groin injury had it started in April. And with Cole out of the picture in Houston, Verlander will garner a lot of attention from voters in that rotation.

Cleveland Indians SP Shane Bieber (+1100)

Bieber broke out in a big way last season, going 15-8 with a 3.28 ERA and two complete-game shutouts. His 1.68 walks per nine innings was also tops in the league, helping him finish fourth in 2019 AL Cy Young voting. As the ace in Cleveland with Cory Kluber and Trevor Bauer gone, all eyes will be on the young Bieber.

Tampa Bay Rays SP Tyler Glasnow (+1200)

Glasnow was off to a red-hot start in 2019 before suffering an injury that caused him to miss most of the summer. He won his first six starts and opened the year at 6-1 with a 1.86 ERA, 55 strikeouts and only nine walks through 48 1/3 innings. If he can bounce back and stay healthy, Glasnow should be one of the top contenders for the Cy Young award. He has the stuff to win around 10 games in this shortened season.

2020 AL Cy Young best bets: Long shot

Minnesota Twins SP Jose Berrios (+2500)

Berrios was an All-Star for the second year in a row last season, going 14-8 with a 3.68 ERA and 195 strikeouts. Playing at the pitcher-friendly Target Field helps keep the ball in the yard for Berrios, and with his nasty stuff, he’s sure to approach 9 K/9 again in 2020.

Want action on any 2020 MLB futures? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

Bet on these MLB players to win the 2020 AL MVP award

Making our picks and best bets to win the AL MVP award in the shortened 2020 MLB season.

[jwplayer eksOOQvZ]

All 15 teams in the American League will begin the 60-game 2020 MLB season in World Series contention. Players will have less time than ever to make a noticeable impact on their team’s postseason chances. Below, we look at a player from each tier of the betting odds at BetMGM and make out best picks to win the 2020 AL MVP award.

2020 AL MVP best bets: Favorite

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday, July 10 at 2:10 p.m. ET.

Los Angeles Angels 3B Anthony Rendon (+1600)

Angels OF Mike Trout is the odds-on favorite to defend his 2019 AL MVP crown at +130, but is still uncertain of his playing status for the full season with his wife expecting to give birth later this summer. With the risk of him not even being available for a full 60 games, there’s no sense in eating this much chalk on an award race that’s wide open this season.

Rendon has the next best odds of any Angels player and is the fifth favorite overall. The free-agent signee and reigning World Series champion with the Washington Nationals is a plus defender at the hot corner. He slashed .319/.412/.598 with 34 home runs and led the majors with 126 RBIs in a career-best 2019 season. Should Trout miss any amount of time and the Angels remain in playoff contention, Rendon should be justly rewarded in his first season in the AL.

Baseball season is finally here! Get some action on the 2020 season with an MLB futures bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!

2020 AL MVP best bets: Contender

Chicago White Sox C Yasmani Grandal (+6000)

3B Yoan Moncada (+4500) is the top contender from a White Sox team being widely picked as a darkhorse World Series contender, but he was there last year and can be overshadowed by 2020’s marquee additions should the team reach new heights in 2020.

Grandal signed as a free agent this offseason after hitting .246/.380/.468 with 28 home runs for the Milwaukee Brewers last season. He’s also one of the best defensive catchers in baseball and could be largely credited with helping to get the best out of a young and largely inexperienced starting rotation.

Playing fantasy baseball? A Draft Day like no other deserves a fantasy baseball Cheat Sheet like no other. Weekly HQBasics from BaseballHQ is $4.95 with coupon code SBW5. Sign up now!

2020 AL MVP best bets: Long shot

Boston Red Sox OF Alex Verdugo (+17500)

As noted above, the AL MVP race is up for the taking this year. As such, it only makes sense to sprinkle at least a small wager on one of 10 players with the longest odds on the board. Verdugo slashed .294/.342/.475 and hit 12 homers with four stolen bases across 377 plate appearances with the Los Angeles Dodgers last season.

Verdugo will be under pressure in Boston this year as the replacement for former-MVP OF Mookie Betts in the trade with the Dodgers. A similar line and helping to keep the Red Sox in contention with the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays for the AL East title will get him the recognition he needs on one of baseball’s most popular teams.

Want action on any 2020 MLB futures? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @EstenMcLaren on Twitter, and follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

Irish in MLB: Trey Mancini Undergoes Successful Surgery

A surprise last week in MLB’s spring training came from Baltimore Orioles camp where veteran Trey Mancini left camp, taking an unexpected leave.  Today we found out why exactly the former Notre Dame baseball player had to step away from the game.

A surprise last week in MLB’s spring training came from Baltimore Orioles camp where veteran Trey Mancini left camp, taking an unexpected leave.  Today we found out why exactly the former Notre Dame baseball player had to step away from the game.

After discovering a malignant tumor during a colonoscopy last week, Mancini had successful surgery to remove the tumor today.

In a statement released by the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday, Mancini was thankful for the support from the team, fans, and supporters.

“The outpouring of love and support I have received has made an extremely tough week so much better,” Mancini said. “I have the best family, friends, fans and teammates imaginable. I am also eternally thankful for the Orioles front office, our athletic trainers and the entire medical staff for everything they have done to help me during this time. Finally, I would like to thank everyone for their prayers and kind words, which have furthered my excitement to get back to playing the game I love.”

There is no timetable set for Mancini to return to the club and with MLB suspending spring training operations as of Thursday afternoon, it’s hard to have any idea when play may resume.  The good news is Mancini was aware something was amiss and all was handled well by all parties.

Mancini played at Notre Dame from 2011-2013, hitting .297 and 28 home runs in that time.  The Orioles selected him in the eighth round of the 2013 MLB Draft.  Mancini led the Orioles in doubles, home runs, RBI, OBP, slugging percentage and total bases.